GraceWayDC

Learn about GraceWay's founding, and the importance of God's presence above all else, in this message from our 8th Anniversary Sunday.

Happy New Year! Filter your goals by heeding three warnings: selfish planning, foolish presumptions, and audacious procrastination. God wants to do great things through you this year!

Here's yet another way that Jesus is the Reason for the Season! Not only does Jesus offer joy and calm fears, but He also makes peace possible. This peace was promised, then postponed, but is still possible for us if we trust in and live for Him.

The Christmas angels announced good tidings of great joy. But this joy came from more than just a wonderful, miraculous birth. The joy of Christmas is found in the Gospel: that Jesus was born, and that He died for our sins and rose again. When the Gospel is heard, believed, and received, joy– rooted in hope– becomes possible even in dire circumstances.

The Christmas story is one of joy– but it is also a story of fear. Pastor Wells examines several of its characters that faced unique fears, and who found that faith in God was sufficient.

Kick off the Christmas season right with a message about three reasons to celebrate the birth of Christ: He was the Promised One, He came at the perfect time, and He would provide salvation for all. Jesus is truly the Reason for the Season!

This week, enjoy a Thanksgiving message about gratitude from Psalm 100. The natural result of gratitude is sacrifice and service. What can I offer to God? My body, song, prayer, service, and repentance. These are the "sacrifices of thanksgiving!"

Throughout our Joseph series, we have seen him face difficult tests. But his trials are not the end of Joseph's story. God placed him on a road to repentance with four stops along the way:  God (1) removed comfort, (2) revealed character, (3) revived conviction, and (4) restored communion.  And God offers you this same path to blessed restoration through forgiveness!

Joseph may be best known for his example of beyond-human forgiveness. Don't stay in the dungeon of unforgiveness– Jesus offers a way out!

In this week's message, we see how God used Joseph and his stewardship to prepare Egypt for difficulty. Whether in times of want or plenty, we are to do three things: work fervently, save frugally, and give faithfully.

One of the first lessons Joseph learned was what to do when bad things happen to good people. But now, he has received great blessings. Still, he continues to provide a good example of how we should respond to similar circumstances. We must remember that these blessings (1) come and go quickly, (2) they are from God, and (3) they happen as we submit.

Our study of Joseph's tests continues as we are reminded of the power available to us through God's word. We have a part to play in God's plan!

Joseph faced the question that has been asked by millions: why do bad things happen to good people? We look at one answer this week in Romans 5. Pastor Brad Wells explains how tribulation (bad things) effects patience, which produces experience, which brings hope, leading to confidence.

In Part 1, Pastor Brad Wells introduced Joseph's fourth test: the test of purity. With persistent temptation trying to eclipse the presence of God, Joseph took a strong stance and aced the test. This week, we learn four imperatives for overcoming: 1) maintain daily strength, 2) believe and speak truth, 3) aggressively escape, and 4) do your part, leaving the rest to God.

In this installment of our Joseph series, he confronts the test of purity in the face of desire. Joseph will pass this test only as he submits to God his look and lust, learning to live in sanctification. God gives us grace to live the same way today, and to pass our own purity test. This message from Pastor Brad Wells explains how.

This week, GraceWay sought to commemorate the heroism of September 11th, 2001 with a special service and a message from General John Teichert. Bro. Teichert spoke on the heroes whose service causes them to run into danger, including heroes of 9/11, heroes of the faith, and the Hero of humanity, Jesus Christ.

In this installment of our series on Joseph's tests, following the "dream test" and the "pit test" of disappointment, he faces the test of duty as a slave in Potiphar's house. In the process, Joseph learned God's definition of prosperity, which comes from God's presence. And God's presence comes from obedience rooted in faith and focus on Him.

In the previous message, Joseph learned to pass the "dream test" by setting aside human ambition and adopting God's goals. Now, in a dramatic turn, he faces the "pit test" of disappointment.  Pastor Brad Wells uses this season in Joseph's life to explain why God allows the pit, and to teach how God can use our disappointments to work in and through us. 

This week kicks off a new miniseries studying the life of Joseph and the difficult yet relatable tests that he faced. In this first phase, he quickly learned that a God-given dream may not be appreciated equally by everyone, and it may even bring harsh criticism. But he also found that he could trust God to fulfill it– as can you!

The book of 1 Timothy is written to someone working to faithfully represent Christ in the midst of colliding, corrupting cultures. Pastor Brad Wells reminds us that now, as back then, God calls His people to stand fast and hold faith through these challenges. As the conscience of our nation, the Church must strive to create a habitat of holiness.

Bad news is all around us. Every day brings a new concern as threats are unveiled around the world. So how should Christians respond? Peter exhorts us to not fear, but to rather look, labor and live for Christ's coming. The worse the world gets, the closer we are to going home!

In a final installment of 2 Peter, we find even more warnings against false teachers. Peter calls out these pseudo-preachers as dry wells, dangerous clouds, and dark mists. Pastor Brad Wells echoes his instruction for navigating daily dangers in the present day.

After calling out false teachers, Peter warns their followers about where they will end up if they continue on this path. God will provide a way of escape, but they must identify and deny three components of corruption: a proud will, an evil mouth, and a greedy heart.

Evil often looks like a great opportunity. Satan is transformed into an angel of light. With counterfeits all around, how are we to discern what is true? The answer lies in II Peter 2– a three-part test of false teachers that examines their message, methods, and motives.

The difference between selective, subjective religion and objective faith is submission to God's Word. Pastor Brad Wells clearly shows that the Bible– the antidote to our own flawed perceptions– outlives, overshadows, and outshines human efforts. Included are guest segments from General Kevin Schneider and General John Teichert.

This Independence Day weekend message from Pastor Brad Wells celebrates God's blessing on America's past while looking with hope toward the future. As salt and light, Christian citizens should be seeking to make a difference through earnest prayer and diligent action.

Peter's second book starts with an exhortation to know, grow, and show. When dealing with the disappointments, delays, and damages of life, these three simple points are pivotal. Pastor Brad Wells explains how to know, grow, and show in this message on standing in a fallen world.

This Father's Day message from Pastor Brad Wells provides practical tips and biblical encouragement for fathers. The next generation needs parents who can make a difference both in their lives and their society, and Psalm 127 has the recipe: a strong archer, straight arrows, and sure aim.

Spiritual maturity is not automatic.  It comes as the Christian intentionally submits to God's plan for growth.  This week, Pastor Brad Wells offers three attitudes, found in 1 Peter 5, that enable maturity.  These are active humility, active serenity, and active sobriety– each of which you can successfully implement today.

Guest speaker General John Teichert exhorts Christians to overcome mountains of difficulty through focus, faith, and follow-through.  Listen closely to this helpful message– and its intriguing supporting stories– to overcome your mountain through the power of Christ.

Everyone suffers in a sin-cursed world, but Christians have the unique opportunity to give our hurts to God and let Him turn them into hallelujahs. In this message, preached on Memorial Day Weekend, Pastor Brad Wells reveals five actions expected of suffering saints, all found in 1 Peter 4.

Having the right attitude is vital to living the victorious Christian life. Pastor Brad Wells uses 1 Peter 4 to show that we have four attitudes we must incorporate in our daily lives for great victory. With these four overcoming attitudes, we can truly make a difference in the society around us.

As the old adage goes: Faith that doesn't begin at home, doesn't begin. Picking up from the previous message, "When Authority Goes Awry", Pastor Brad Wells looks at the effect of a well-ordered home. 1 Peter 3 gives the blueprint for how Christians can save society. It is going to take winsome wives, honorable husbands, and happy homes. 

The idea of motherhood is often seen as a burden in today's society, but God has actually given mothers the most influential force in the world. In this special Mother's Day message, Pastor Brad Wells looks into the life of Hannah to reveal five lessons from her influence that can be applied to our lives today.

Continuing with the Making A Difference series, Pastor Brad Wells explains why the unpopular subject of submission, is still the secret to success with God. This message focusses on three specific institutions where submission is difficult because of sin and corruption: Killer Kings, Bad Bosses, and Heathen Husbands. Although society often tells us that submission is a sign of weakness, we see through this message that there is strength in submission, and it is often the best way that we can truly make a difference.

God has always positioned His children to make a difference in the nations and governments of the world.  But that position can be challenging.  If you have ever wrestled with how Christianity relates to liberty, patriotism, and civic duty, this message is for you! Pastor Brad Wells explains the historical demise of nations from decadence to dependence to dominion, and the importance of the Church as the Conscience of the State.

Pontius Pilate had to face Jesus and decide whether He was Who He said or not. His decision came from the voices in his head, the values of his heart, and the verdict that he spoke. Today, similarly, each person must answer the question, "Who is Jesus?" If He is Lord indeed, then He is worthy of our everything. This message was part of an Easter Sunday celebration at GraceWay.

The Passion Week is packed with significant symbols and fulfilled prophecies. In this week's message, Pastor Wells explains some little-known details from the Passover traditions. And each one points to the great design and purpose of the Messiah. The Lamb of God fulfilled all the law, that through His death we might gain abundant life! Enjoy this message from Palm Sunday at GraceWay.

As we strive to be difference makers, the task can be overwhelming. Without a firm foundation, we will only slip and fall.  This week's message, from I Peter 2, explores seven descriptions of Jesus as our sure foundation. From this standing, we find the strength to make a difference for Christ.  Are you firmly built on the Cornerstone?

How can people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life unite together to make a difference for Christ? It is only possible through the Word of God. By the word, we are born into the same family, purified, and strengthened together. Pastor Brad Wells challenges us to remember that our effectiveness for Christ is directly tied to our involvement with His word.

The first chapter of 1 Peter emphasizes four words that are crucial to a Christian's ability to make a difference: hope, holiness, fear, and faith.  All of these help a child of God stay clean while walking through a corrupt world.  In this message, Pastor Brad Wells challenges us to live cleanly as we hope for Christ's coming, represent His character to the world, prepare for His evaluation, and reflect on the redemption of His cross.

Salvation is just the beginning of the Christian's story.  God has provided innumerable assets for daily victorious living!  Pastor Brad Wells continues through I Peter 1, exploring the plan, process, and privilege that is salvation.

In a world that needs so much change, it can be difficult to know where to begin or what God wants us to do.  But it starts with realizing five truths, explained in this message by Pastor Brad Wells.  With these truths in mind, you will be ready to truly make a difference for the cause of Christ.

Mankind was created in God's image, and our job is to bear that image, giving glory to God in everything we do.  This week's message is the third in a miniseries that started with discussing the goodness of God, moved on to the greatness of God, and now focuses on the glory of God.  Pastor Brad Wells challenges us to accept our divinely appointed role in this message, called God Is Glorious.

The Bible recorded that Mary's anointing of Jesus would be told wherever the gospel was preached.  That is still true today, including this week's message at GraceWay!  Pastor Brad Wells brings out five characteristics that allowed Mary to truly make a difference.  If we can follow her example, we too can make a difference for Christ, regardless of our shortcomings.

If we are to make a difference in the world around us, it will take more than half-hearted Christianity. Paul expressed this when he admonished the Colossian church to do the work before them "heartily, as to the Lord."  Similarly, our impact for Christ will be maximized as we live heartily for Him, with faithful zest and gusto.  Practically, this means developing sustained passion, consistent excellence, and enlightened urgency, as preached by guest speaker General John Teichert at GraceWay.

God is not only good, He is great!  The very heavens declare His glory.  This week at GraceWay, we looked at Psalm 19, which contains a declaration from the sky, education from the Scripture, and illumination by the Spirit.  Through these three methods, God desires that His voice find its way into our hearts.  And when it does, we can be convinced of His existence, converted, and cleansed from sin.

God is good!  This can be a statement of faith, especially when our circumstances are less than desirable.  But goodness is at the center of God's very essence.  And His goodness has been revealed to us.  Pastor Brad Wells explains the value of God's goodness in this message from GraceWay.

Even the little things that you have, when given to God, can cause great miracles to happen.  Likewise, the little things that are not maintained can cause great destruction.  God is looking for His people to have little seeds of faith– people that realize the importance of the mundane and unseen.  Because when we maintain the little things we prove our faithfulness, produce fruitfulness, and provide focus.

On this anniversary of GraceWay Baptist Church, Pastor Brad Wells preaches from its commissioning passage on the Way of Grace.  The Grace Way is a path of clarity, tranquility, consistency, prosperity, and victory.  But all of these are only possible because the Grace Way is a way of the presence of God.  Do you want to know God better than ever before?  It's time to travel on the Grace Way!

Few things are as disheartening as failing to reach a significant goal.  But in our efforts to walk with God, He gives a powerful, blessed hope that can make all the difference.  When combined with good habits, this hope can strengthen the Christian to continue pressing toward the mark.  Pastor Brad Wells uses the acronym HOPE to teach these Biblical steps for success: hear, obey, prioritize, eliminate.